Porsche signs F1 ace Mark Webber

Porsche’s preparations for a return to top level sportscars have gathered pace with confirmation of the signing of F1 star Mark Webber.

Webber will join the team next year to drive its all-new LMP1 machine after agreeing a multi-year deal, bringing the curtain down on a successful twelve year stint in Formula One.

The Australian – who has driven for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull in his F1 career – will be making a return to sportscars having raced for Mercedes earlier in his career.

He has twice competed at the Le Mans 24 Hours, although his second appearance back in 1999 ended before he race even got underway after his Mercedes flipped during the morning warm-up. Webber had already suffered a similar incident in qualifying.

News that the 36-year-old is joining Porsche comes as little surprise, with rumours of a deal surfacing on Radio Le Mans after he was left angered by the actions of team-mate Sebastian Vettel during the Malaysian Grand Prix.

There, Webber looked set to win the race before Vettel ignored team orders and overtook his team-mate; the incident being the latest between the pair as their relationship turned somewhat sour.

“I’ve had a personal plan and I’ve stuck to it,” he said. “This is the next chapter. The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It’s a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport. [There were options to stay in F1] but since Formula One as a category wasn’t on my radar for 2014, they weren’t a consideration for me.

“Le Mans is one of the most famous circuits in the world and to be honest, I still see it as unfinished business and I want to do well there,” he said. “Le Mans can be cruel as we’ve just seen, but it’s incredibly rewarding and that’s part of the allure.

“I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I’ve worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey. I’ve driven in some of the toughest and most challenging conditions and circuits, and against some incredible drivers, which I’ll continue to do until the end of the year.

“Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it’s time to move on to my next challenge.”

Webber joins Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Neel Jani in the driver line-up; the latter having been confirmed as part of the line-up earlier this week.

Jani will make the move from Rebellion Racing, and despite his deal with Porsche taking effect from 1 July, he will complete his planned schedule with his current team through the remainder of the current season.

“To compete for Porsche in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC and at the Le Mans 24 Hours is a dream come true,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel for the first time and contributing my test driving experience.

“Porsche is incomparable with any other marque in sportscar racing and I’m proud to now be a part of the Porsche works team.

“My goal is to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and secure the WEC World Championship title with Porsche. I don’t just want to build on Porsche’s successful history, I want to add a new chapter.”

Porsche has already completed its first run with the new LMP1 machine, which will see it go up against Audi and Toyota for top honours next year.

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